Need for data that ignore boundries : migration and transient population movements

Abstract

This paper presents the case for the need for spatial mobility data that ignore boundaries, national and international. It also reviews strategies to achieve these objectives. In this connection, it is pertinent to note that intense spatial mobility has been a feature of African populations over the years. The movements have taken a number of forms, including, invasion, pastoralism, nomadism, pilgrimage and movements for trading purposes. Broadly, the major migration patterns of recent years consist of the following. Regarding internal migration, its four major patterns are, inter rural and urban, along with, urban-to rural and rural-to-urban. Rural-urban migration involves labour migration to rural, agricultural estates, wage and mining sectors. Rural-urban migration entails spontaneous movements to urban areas from rural areas for mainly employment and schooling.